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Governor and
Commissioner Highlight Initiative to Make Occupational
Licensing Easier and Faster for Veterans
November 10, 2015, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dept. of Professional and Financial Regulation
Androscoggin Room, 76 Northern Avenue, Gardiner
Information or directions can be obtained by calling 207-624-8605.
In advance of Veterans Day, Governor Paul R. LePage and Commissioner Anne Head are highlighting an ongoing initiative at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) to make occupational licensing in several professions quicker and easier for veterans with relevant military training and experience.
Governor LePage signed Public Law Chapter 603 in 2012 to ensure that veterans are given full credit for applicable military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Department’s Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
These recent new laws provide the Department with greater flexibility in evaluating and crediting military experience toward license and continuing education requirements. It should also assist veterans and spouses by permitting them to acquire a license by endorsement if they hold a comparable license in another state for the remainder of the term of that license or until a license is obtained in Maine.
Additionally, the Department’s homepage (www.maine.gov/pfr) features information to assist veterans in applying their military training and experience toward occupational licensing requirements. Details about licensing can also be obtained by calling Catherine Carroll at 207-624-8605. Veterans are encouraged to contact the Department before applying for licensure.
AUGUSTA—More than 100 employers have committed to hiring veterans at the half-way point of the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign. The goal of the statewide initiative is to commit at least 100 employers to recruit veterans and with the result of at least 100 veterans hired. Through November 5, 2015, 127 employers are participating, with 129 veterans having been hired.
The campaign provides support for employers to expand the hiring of veterans, to include a network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits; education on military language and culture; assistance with recruiting, hiring, assimilation and retention; a Veteran Hiring Toolkit and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans.
Click to view the list of employers.
Find your closest CareerCenter.
AUGUSTA – On Nov. 3, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage joined Bureau of Veterans Services Director Adria Horn, veterans and their families as they announced the Maine Veterans Legacy Project, a program helping to preserve the living histories of our veterans.
The Veterans Legacy Project provides an opportunity for all generations of Maine families to connect to our military heroes and enables citizens to actively volunteer to protect American history.
“This special program connects our past, present and future generations in a way that touches your heart. Our veterans are living history, and when you listen to some of their stories it brings tears to your eyes,” said Governor LePage. “It is our responsibility to ensure these memories are saved and shared with fellow Mainers and Americans.”
The Bureau of Veterans Services created the Maine Veterans Legacy Project with the mission of preserving Maine history by collecting first-person accounts of those who defended the United States during wartime and protected our borders during peacetime. The Bureau of Veterans Services collaborates with WABI TV5 of Bangor to film and produce the interviews and the State of Maine Archives will file the interviews, which will be made available to the public for view.
Click to Learn More
Story from WABI-TV
If you have questions and
want to know about services available to you, contact your local CareerCenter
Representative. If you are a veteran and any of the following apply –
YOU:
-
Have
a service connected disability;
-
Are
recently separated and unemployed;
-
Have less than a high school diploma;
- Are
homeless or at risk of homelessness;
-
Are
an offender who has been released in the last 12 months;
- Are
receiving TANF, Food Stamps or General Assistance;
-
Are
a Transitioning Service Member;
- Are between the ages
of 18-24
Dedicated
veterans staff, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs), are
available to assist you with employment and training services. See contact info
below.
Augusta / Skowhegan Area
Augusta CareerCenter, 21 Enterprise Drive, Ste 2, Augusta, 04333
Steven Roy, LVER
Steven.L.Roy@maine.gov, (207) 624-5156
Rich
Oberg, DVOP
Rich.Oberg@Maine.gov, 207-624-5120
Bangor Area
Tri-County CareerCenter, 45 Oak St. Ste. 3, Bangor, 04401
Lewis
Bradford, LVER
Lewis.R.Bradford@Maine.gov, 207-561-4051
Warren
Kerr, DVOP
Warren.Kerr@maine.gov, 207-561-4052
Brunswick Area
Southern Midcoast CareerCenter, 275 Bath Rd., Ste. 3, Brunswick, 04011
John
Wagner, DVOP
John.W.Wagner@maine.gov, 207-373-4010
Calais Area
Calais CareerCenter, One College Drive, Calais, 04619-0415
Michelle
Mersereau, DVOP
Michelle.J.Mersereau@maine.gov, 207-454-7551
Lewiston/Wilton/South
Paris/Rumford Area
Lewiston CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston, 04240
Richard
Kowalczyk, DVOP
Richard.M.Kowalczyk@maine.gov, 207-753-9038
Mark
Cater, LVER
Mark.A.Cater@maine.gov, 207-573-9092
Machias Area
Machias CareerCenter, 53 Prescott Dr., Ste 1, Machias, 04654
Michelle
Mersereau, DVOP
Michelle.J.Mersereau@maine.gov, 207-255-1920
Greater Portland Area
- NEW LOCATION!
Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland, 04104
Mark
Cafiso, LVER
Mark.J.Cafiso@maine.gov,
207-822-3344
Val
Graffa, DVOP
Val.J.Graffa@maine.gov, 207-822-3311
Rhiannon
Guzelian, DVOP
Rhiannon.Guzelian@maine.gov, 207-822-3352
Presque Isle Area
Presque Isle CareerCenter, 66 Spruce Street, Presque Isle, 04769
Leslie
Brown, DVOP
Leslie.Brown@maine.gov, 207-760-6322
Springvale Area
York County CareerCenter, 9 Bodwell Court, Springvale, 04083
Allen
Blackstone, DVOP
Allen.Blackstone@maine.gov, 207-324-5460
Central Office – Augusta
Auta
Main, Program Manager
Auta.M.Main@maine.gov, 207-623-7975
David
Klein, Division Director
David.Klein@maine.gov, 207-623-7987
Veterans
with questions about available services should contact their local CareerCenter. Veterans and
eligible spouses are given priority of service for the receipt of employment,
training and placement services provided under most Maine Department of
Labor-funded programs. All CareerCenter services are no cost.
Click here to learn more.
This veterans' update is provided as a service of the Maine Department of Labor.
Paul R. LePage
Governor
Jeanne S. Paquette
Commissioner of Labor |
